Considering a pet?
If you are looking for a dog or cat to add to your family group, where are you going to source your animal – the local animal shelter or an ethical breeder?
The Pet Education Trust would always ask that you consider animal shelters as the first option as these are currently overrun with dogs produced by irresponsible breeders and abandoned by irresponsible owners. Most of these dogs can make wonderful companions with consistent training, time and effort.
However, if you are adamant on having a puppy or kitten or want a greater degree of certainty when it comes to the animals’ temperament, health, size etc., then obtaining your pet from a responsible breeder will increase the likelihood of obtaining this.
To help you identify an ethical breeder, the Pet Education Trust has linked to the Ethical Breeding site run by expert Animal Behaviourist, Debbie Connolly.
Debbie says ‘We believe that buying from ethical breeders is the right way to buy a pet. A happy, healthy, well socialised animal is far less likely to grow up a problem. This doesn’t mean you have no responsibilities, but recognise that a pet that will be living with your children and other animals should have the best start possible’.
‘There are too many irresponsible breeders out there who are selling litters too early, or breeding from parents with temperament issues or health issues and are not providing social learning to the young puppies or kittens. These breeders don’t care whether your pet dies early, lives a pain filled life or hurts you. Don’t give them your money.’
To find an ethical breeder in your area and to understand more about what a responsible, ethical breeder should be doing, click onto the link below.
